We're sunsetting PodQuest on 2025-07-28. Thank you for your support!
Export Podcast Subscriptions
cover of episode Allison Epstein's 'Fagin the Thief' gives a Charles Dickens character a second chance

Allison Epstein's 'Fagin the Thief' gives a Charles Dickens character a second chance

2025/3/25
logo of podcast NPR's Book of the Day

NPR's Book of the Day
AI Chapters Transcript
Chapters
Allison Epstein discusses her novel 'Fagin the Thief' and its origins in her fascination with Fagin's character from Dickens' 'Oliver Twist'. The novel aims to give Fagin a deeper backstory and explores Epstein's view of Dickens as a working writer.
  • Epstein's novel 'Fagin the Thief' is a reimagining of the character from 'Oliver Twist'.
  • She views Dickens as a talented but imperfect writer.
  • Epstein aims to transform Fagin from a caricature into a fully realized character.

Shownotes Transcript

Author Allison Epstein says when she read Oliver Twist, she found Charles Dickens' portrayal of Fagin, the novel's central scoundrel, to be stereotypical and antisemitic. But there was also something about the character that piqued her curiosity. Now, her new novel Fagin the Thief gives that character a backstory – and a literary second chance. In today's episode, Epstein speaks with NPR's Scott Simon about her research into where someone like Fagin might've grown up, her reimagination of the character's intentions, and how she came to view Dickens as a working writer.To listen to Book of the Day sponsor-free and support NPR's book coverage, sign up for Book of the Day+ at plus.npr.org/bookofthedayLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices)NPR Privacy Policy)